Thread: Yes, I'm a noob, with a noob question

(1996 200SX SE-R)

I've had it up to here with this a/c compressor problem and I'm going to find someone local who can reroute the belts for me for a case of beer or whatever, since my mechanic insists it can't be done and that I need a new compressor....I can't afford that.

The only 1996 200SX SE-R belt diagram I could find shows one belt going around the crank, water pump, and power steering. The other belt goes around the a/c compressor and two other pulleys, whatever they are.

If that sounds right so far, what specific belt do I ask for to bypass the a/c compressor? And yes, talk to me like I have no freakin idea what you're talking about, because I don't. I'm losing patience in a hurry.

Let me get you some engine pictures so it will be crystal clear. (The info you posted above is correct FYI.)

Thank you!

Front of engine with crank pulley and water pump installed, but no water pump pulley, no power steering pump, no alternator, and no A/C compressor.


Exhaust side of engine showing the crank pulley and how it has two seperate places for two different belts. The inner-most and smaller section drives the water pump and power steering pulleys. The outer section drives the alternator and A/C compressor.


Here is what it looks like on a car with NO A/C. You can see the single inner belt connected to the water pump and power steering pump. Also notice the outer belt connected only to the alternator, and no A/C compressor is installed.


Here is another view of the same kind of setup.


Let me do some image editing and get right back to you with one more picture.

That makes this whole a/c crapfest so much easier to make sense of....thanks.

Here is what you can expect to see on a setup with A/C.


And here is what it should look like with the belt installed from an engine with no A/C.

Okay, warning - bonehead questions ahead:

First (even though it's obvious by your photos) I need an alternator belt then, right?

Second, whoever does this can just cut the belt that's on the car now (that goes to the alternator, crank, and a/c), and then just run the new alternator belt around the crank and alternator and the job is done....does that sound right?

Correct, you need an alternator belt (which I believe you already bought).

Yes, your installation method is correct too. If for some ridiculous unforeseen reason (did not happen to me) the shorter belt does not clear the A/C pulley properly you could remove the A/C pulley/clutch assembly to make clearance, or you could put some washers between the A/C compressor and the mounting bracket to move it further away from the block to get clearance. This is not going to be needed though. You will be fine.

I bought the wrong belt the first time (power steering/water pump). My mechanic can kiss my arse....instead of the $175 compressor and 2-hour installation he was drooling over, I'm going to get this belt swap done for $10 and a case of beer.

Thank you VERY much for your help with this....I can't say that enough.

You knew I wouldn't be done with questions yet....sheesh. Do you know what years/makes of Nissan have the alternator belt that will work for this swap?